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Participant analysis
Macrosyntax
Speech act analysis
Emotional analysis

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Participant Analysis

What is Participant Analysis?

Participant Analysis focuses on the characters in the psalm and asks, “Who are the main participants (or characters) in this psalm, and what are they saying or doing? It is often helpful for understanding literary structure, speaker identification, etc.

For a detailed explanation of our method, see the Participant Analysis Creator Guidelines.

There are 6 participants/characters in Psalm 89:

Profile List

Ethan the Ezrahite

"Ethan the Ezrahite" (v. 1)

Israel

"the people" (vv. 16, 20)

"those who know the signal" (v. 16)

"YHWH's servants" (v. 51)

Prophets

"YHWH's loyal ones" (v. 20)

YHWH

"YHWH" (vv. 2, 6, 7, 9, 16, 19, 47, 52, 53)

"YHWH, God of armies" (v. 9)

"Mighty Yah" (v. 9)

"The holy one of Israel" (v. 19)

"The king's father, god, and the rock who saves him" (v. 27)

"Lord" (vv. 58, 50, 51)

David

"David" (vv. 4, 21, 36, 50)

"YHWH's servant" (vv. 4, 21)

"YHWH's chosen one" (vv. 4, 20)

"warrior" (v. 20)

"The firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth" (v. 28)

David's descendant(s)

"David's descendants" (lit: "seed") (vv. 5, 30, 37)

"Israel's king" (v. 19)

"David's descendants" (lit: "sons") (v. 31)

"YHWH's anointed one" (vv. 39, 52)

"YHWH's servant" (v. 40)

Enemies

"Enemy" (v. 23)

"Unjust person" (v. 23)

"David's adversaries" (v. 24)

"Those who are hostile to David" (v. 24)

"All who pass by" (v. 42)

"The king's neighbors" (v. 42)

"The king's enemies" (v. 43)

"The king's adversaries" (v. 43)

"The nations" (v. 51)

"YHWH's enemies" (v. 52)

The Sea

"The sea" (vv. 10, 26)

"The sea's waves" (v. 10)

"The currents" (v. 26)

"Rahab" (the sea monster) (v. 11)

"YHWH's enemies" (v. 11)

Divine beings

"The sky" (v. 6)

"Holy ones" (vv. 6, 8)

"Divine beings" (v. 7)

"Everyone around YHWH" (v. 8)

"Tabor and Hermon" (v. 13)

Humanity

"People" (v. 48)

"Person" (v. 49)

Profile Notes

Ethan was a Levite, a contemporary of King David, whom David put in charge of early temple music, together with Asaph and Heman (1 Chr 6:16-32; 15:16-19). He was an "Ezrahite" in the sense that he was associated with the Judahite family of Zerah (cf. 1 Chr 2:6), not as a biological descendant, but as a sojourner (cf. Judg 17:7; 1 Sam 1:1). In addition to being a leader of worship, he was also renowned for his wisdom (cf. 1 Kgs 5:10-11). See further: The Identity of Ethan the Ezrahite in Psalm89:1.
YHWH's heavenly court consists of lesser divine beings (cf. 1 Kgs 22:19; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Ps 82). These heavenly creatures surround YHWH's throne (see v. 8b) and worship him (v. 6; cf. Ps 29). In terms of power and majesty, they do not even compare to YHWH (see vv. 7–8).

Hebrew	Line	English
מַ֝שְׂכִּ֗יל לְאֵיתָ֥ן הָֽאֶזְרָחִֽי׃	1	A maskil. By Ethan the Ezrahite.
חַֽסְדֵ֣י יְ֭הוָה עוֹלָ֣ם אָשִׁ֑ירָה	2a	I will sing forever about YHWH's acts of loyalty.
לְדֹ֥ר וָדֹ֓ר ׀ אוֹדִ֖יעַ אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בְּפִֽי׃	2b	I will make your reliability known with my mouth for generations to come.
כִּֽי־אָמַ֗רְתִּי ע֭וֹלָם חֶ֣סֶד יִבָּנֶ֑ה	3a	For I said, Loyalty will be built up forever.
שָׁמַ֓יִם ׀ תִכֹן אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בָהֶֽם׃	3b	sky—your reliability will be established in it."
כָּרַ֣תִּֽי בְ֭רִית לִבְחִירִ֑י	4a	I have made a covenant with my chosen one.
נִ֝שְׁבַּ֗עְתִּי לְדָוִ֥ד עַבְדִּֽי׃	4b	I have sworn an oath to David, my servant:
עַד־ע֭וֹלָם אָכִ֣ין זַרְעֶ֑ךָ	5a	I will establish your descendants forever,
וּבָנִ֨יתִי לְדֹר־וָד֖וֹר כִּסְאֲךָ֣ סֶֽלָה׃	5b	and I will build your throne for generations to come.'" Selah.
וְי֘וֹד֤וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם פִּלְאֲךָ֣ יְהוָ֑ה	6a	So let the sky praise your wonders, YHWH!
אַף־אֱ֝מֽוּנָתְךָ֗ בִּקְהַ֥ל קְדֹשִֽׁים׃	6b	your reliability, too, in the assembly of holy ones!
כִּ֤י מִ֣י בַ֭שַּׁחַק יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ לַיהוָ֑ה	7a	For who in heaven can compare to YHWH?
יִדְמֶ֥ה לַ֝יהוָ֗ה בִּבְנֵ֥י אֵלִים׃	7b	among the divine beings is like YHWH?
אֵ֣ל נַ֭עֲרָץ בְּסוֹד־קְדֹשִׁ֣ים	8a	a god who is terrifying in the council of holy ones,
רַבָּ֑ה וְ֝נוֹרָ֗א עַל־כָּל־סְבִיבָֽיו׃	8b	great and fearful above everyone around him.
יְהוָ֤ה ׀ אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י צְבָא֗וֹת מִֽי־כָֽמ֖וֹךָ	9a	YHWH, God of armies, who is like you?
חֲסִ֥ין ׀ יָ֑הּ וֶ֝אֱמֽוּנָתְךָ֗ סְבִיבוֹתֶֽיךָ׃	9b	Mighty Yah, [who is like you] with your reliability around you?
אַתָּ֣ה מ֭וֹשֵׁל בְּגֵא֣וּת הַיָּ֑ם	10a	You rule over the swelling of the sea.
בְּשׂ֥וֹא גַ֝לָּ֗יו אַתָּ֥ה תְשַׁבְּחֵֽם׃	10b	When its waves rise up, you control them.
אַתָּ֤ה דִכִּ֣אתָ כֶחָלָ֣ל רָ֑הַב	11a	You crushed Rahab like those who are slain.
בִּזְר֥וֹעַ עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ פִּזַּ֥רְתָּ אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃	11b	With your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
לְךָ֣ שָׁ֭מַיִם אַף־לְךָ֥ אָ֑רֶץ	12a	The sky is yours; the earth also is yours.
תֵּבֵ֥ל וּ֝מְלֹאָ֗הּ אַתָּ֥ה יְסַדְתָּֽם׃	12b	The world and all that is in it—you founded them.
צָפ֣וֹן וְ֭יָמִין אַתָּ֣ה בְרָאתָ֑ם	13a	North and south—you created them.
תָּב֥וֹר וְ֝חֶרְמ֗וֹן בְּשִׁמְךָ֥ יְרַנֵּֽנוּ׃	13b	Tabor and Hermon rejoice at your name.
לְךָ֣ זְ֭רוֹעַ עִם־גְּבוּרָ֑ה	14a	You have a strong arm, together with might.
תָּעֹ֥ז יָ֝דְךָ֗ תָּר֥וּם יְמִינֶֽךָ׃	14b	Your hand is powerful, your right hand exalted.
צֶ֣דֶק וּ֭מִשְׁפָּט מְכ֣וֹן כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ	15a	base of your throne is righteousness and justice.
חֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת יְֽקַדְּמ֥וּ פָנֶֽיךָ׃	15b	Loyalty and faithfulness stand in front of your presence.
אַשְׁרֵ֣י הָ֭עָם יוֹדְעֵ֣י תְרוּעָ֑ה	16a	Happy are the people, those who know the signal,
יְ֝הוָ֗ה בְּֽאוֹר־פָּנֶ֥יךָ יְהַלֵּכֽוּן׃	16b	YHWH, who go about in the light of your presence!
בְּ֭שִׁמְךָ יְגִיל֣וּן כָּל־הַיּ֑וֹם	17a	They are always glad because of your name,
וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ֥ יָרֽוּמוּ׃	17b	and exalted because of your righteousness.
כִּֽי־תִפְאֶ֣רֶת עֻזָּ֣מוֹ אָ֑תָּה	18a	For you are the strength in which they glory,
וּ֝בִרְצֹנְךָ֗ תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֵֽנוּ׃	18b	and our horn will be exalted because of your favor.
כִּ֣י לַֽ֭יהוָה מָֽגִנֵּ֑נוּ	19a	For our shield belongs to YHWH,
וְלִקְד֖וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל מַלְכֵּֽנוּ׃	19b	and our king belongs to the holy one of Israel.
אָ֤ז דִּבַּ֥רְתָּֽ־בְחָ֡זוֹן לַֽחֲסִידֶ֗יךָ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר	20a	Long ago, you spoke in a vision to your loyal ones and said,
שִׁוִּ֣יתִי עֵ֭זֶר עַל־גִּבּ֑וֹר	20b	I have granted help to a warrior
הֲרִימ֖וֹתִי בָח֣וּר מֵעָֽם׃	20c	I have exalted someone chosen from the people.
מָ֭צָאתִי דָּוִ֣ד עַבְדִּ֑י	21a	I have found David, my servant;
בְּשֶׁ֖מֶן קָדְשִׁ֣י מְשַׁחְתִּֽיו׃	21b	I have anointed him with my holy oil;
אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָ֭דִי תִּכּ֣וֹן עִמּ֑וֹ	22a	My hand will always be with him;
אַף־זְרוֹעִ֥י תְאַמְּצֶֽנּוּ׃	22b	my arm will also strengthen him.
לֹֽא־יַשִּׁ֣א אוֹיֵ֣ב בּ֑וֹ	23a	No enemy will exact tribute from him,
וּבֶן־עַ֝וְלָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽנּוּ׃	23b	and no unjust person will afflict him.
וְכַתּוֹתִ֣י מִפָּנָ֣יו צָרָ֑יו	24a	But I will crush his adversaries from before him,
וּמְשַׂנְאָ֥יו אֶגּֽוֹף׃	24b	and strike down those who are hostile to him.
וֶֽאֶֽמוּנָתִ֣י וְחַסְדִּ֣י עִמּ֑וֹ	25a	And my reliability and my loyalty will be with him,
וּ֝בִשְׁמִ֗י תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֽוֹ׃	25b	and his horn will be exalted because of my name.
וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י בַיָּ֣ם יָד֑וֹ	26a	And I will put his hand on the sea
וּֽבַנְּהָר֥וֹת יְמִינֽוֹ׃	26b	and his right hand on the currents.
ה֣וּא יִ֭קְרָאֵנִי אָ֣בִי אָ֑תָּה	27a	He will call out to me, You are my father,
אֵ֝לִ֗י וְצ֣וּר יְשׁוּעָתִֽי׃	27b	my god and the rock who saves me."
אַף־אָ֭נִי בְּכ֣וֹר אֶתְּנֵ֑הוּ	28a	What's more, I will make him the firstborn,
עֶ֝לְי֗וֹן לְמַלְכֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃	28b	highest of the kings of the earth.
לְ֭עוֹלָ֗ם אֶשְׁמָר־ל֣וֹ חַסְדִּ֑י	29a	I will keep my loyalty for him forever,
וּ֝בְרִיתִ֗י נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת לֽוֹ׃	29b	and my covenant will be enduring for him.
וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י לָעַ֣ד זַרְע֑וֹ	30a	I will establish his descendants forever
וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ כִּימֵ֥י שָׁמָֽיִם׃	30b	and his throne as long as the sky endures.
אִם־יַֽעַזְב֣וּ בָ֭נָיו תּוֹרָתִ֑י	31a	If his descendants reject my instruction
וּ֝בְמִשְׁפָּטַ֗י לֹ֣א יֵלֵכֽוּן׃	31b	and do not walk according to my rules;
אִם־חֻקֹּתַ֥י יְחַלֵּ֑לוּ	32a	if they dishonor my decrees
וּ֝מִצְוֺתַ֗י לֹ֣א יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ׃	32b	and do not keep my commands,
וּפָקַדְתִּ֣י בְשֵׁ֣בֶט פִּשְׁעָ֑ם	33a	then I will punish their rebellion with a rod
וּבִנְגָעִ֥ים עֲוֺנָֽם׃	33b	and their iniquity with wounds.
וְ֭חַסְדִּי לֹֽא־אָפִ֣יר מֵֽעִמּ֑וֹ	34a	But I will not annul my loyalty from being with him,
וְלֹֽא־אֲ֝שַׁקֵּ֗ר בֶּאֱמוּנָתִֽי׃	34b	and I will not deal falsely with my reliability.
לֹא־אֲחַלֵּ֥ל בְּרִיתִ֑י	35a	I will not dishonor my covenant
וּמוֹצָ֥א שְׂ֝פָתַ֗י לֹ֣א אֲשַׁנֶּֽה׃	35b	or change what has come from my lips.
אַ֭חַת נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי בְקָדְשִׁ֑י	36a	Once and for all I swear an oath by my holiness:
אִֽם־לְדָוִ֥ד אֲכַזֵּֽב׃	36b	I will not lie to David.
זַ֭רְעוֹ לְעוֹלָ֣ם יִהְיֶ֑ה	37a	His descendants will be forever,
וְכִסְא֖וֹ כַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ נֶגְדִּֽי׃	37b	and his throne [will be] like the sun before me.
כְּ֭יָרֵחַ יִכּ֣וֹן עוֹלָ֑ם	38a	Like the moon it will be established forever,
וְעֵ֥ד בַּ֝שַּׁ֗חַק נֶאֱמָ֥ן סֶֽלָה׃	38b	and [like] the witness in heaven [it will be] enduring.'" Selah.
וְאַתָּ֣ה זָ֭נַחְתָּ וַתִּמְאָ֑ס	39a	But you have rejected and refused!
הִ֝תְעַבַּ֗רְתָּ עִם־מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃	39b	You have become furious with your anointed one.
נֵ֭אַרְתָּה בְּרִ֣ית עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ	40a	You have renounced the covenant with your servant.
חִלַּ֖לְתָּ לָאָ֣רֶץ נִזְרֽוֹ׃	40b	You have thrown his crown down to the ground as something profane.
פָּרַ֥צְתָּ כָל־גְּדֵרֹתָ֑יו	41a	You have breached all of his walls.
שַׂ֖מְתָּ מִבְצָרָ֣יו מְחִתָּה׃	41b	You have made his strongholds a ruin.
שַׁ֭סֻּהוּ כָּל־עֹ֣בְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ	42a	All who pass by have plundered him.
הָיָ֥ה חֶ֝רְפָּ֗ה לִשְׁכֵנָֽיו׃	42b	He has become an object of scorn to his neighbors.
הֲ֭רִימוֹתָ יְמִ֣ין צָרָ֑יו	43a	You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries.
הִ֝שְׂמַ֗חְתָּ כָּל־אוֹיְבָֽיו׃	43b	You have caused all of his enemies to rejoice.
אַף־תָּ֭שִׁיב צ֣וּר חַרְבּ֑וֹ	44a	What's worse, you turn back his sharp sword,
וְלֹ֥א הֲ֝קֵימֹת֗וֹ בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃	44b	and you did not help him up in the battle.
הִשְׁבַּ֥תָּ מִטְּהָר֑וֹ	45a	You have put an end to his splendor
וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ לָאָ֥רֶץ מִגַּֽרְתָּה׃	45b	and hurled his throne down to the ground.
הִ֭קְצַרְתָּ יְמֵ֣י עֲלוּמָ֑יו	46a	You have cut short the days of his youth.
הֶֽעֱטִ֨יתָ עָלָ֖יו בּוּשָׁ֣ה סֶֽלָה׃	46b	You have covered him with shame. Selah.
עַד־מָ֣ה יְ֭הוָה תִּסָּתֵ֣ר לָנֶ֑צַח	47a	How long, YHWH? Will you hide yourself forever?
תִּבְעַ֖ר כְּמוֹ־אֵ֣שׁ חֲמָתֶֽךָ׃	47b	Will your wrath rage like a fire
זְכָר־אֲדֹנָי מֶה־חָ֑לֶד	48a	Remember, Lord, what a lifespan
עַל־מַה־שָּׁ֝֗וְא בָּרָ֥אתָ כָל־בְּנֵי־אָדָֽם׃	48b	for what futility you created all people!
מִ֤י גֶ֣בֶר יִֽ֭חְיֶה וְלֹ֣א יִרְאֶה־מָּ֑וֶת	49a	What person can live and not see death,
יְמַלֵּ֨ט נַפְשׁ֖וֹ מִיַּד־שְׁא֣וֹל סֶֽלָה׃	49b	can rescue his life from the power of Sheol? Selah.
אַיֵּ֤ה ׀ חֲסָדֶ֖יךָ הָרִאשֹׁנִ֥ים ׀ אֲדֹנָ֑י	50a	Where are your former acts of loyalty, Lord,
נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתָּ לְ֝דָוִ֗ד בֶּאֱמוּנָתֶֽךָ׃	50b	you swore to David in your reliability?
זְכֹ֣ר אֲ֭דֹנָי חֶרְפַּ֣ת עֲבָדֶ֑יךָ	51a	Remember, Lord, how your servants are scorned,
שְׂאֵתִ֥י בְ֝חֵיקִ֗י כָּל־רִבֵי מֵעַמִים׃	51b	I carry in my bosom all the insults of the peoples!
אֲשֶׁ֤ר חֵרְפ֖וּ אוֹיְבֶ֥יךָ ׀ יְהוָ֑ה	52a	that your enemies have scorned, YHWH,
אֲשֶׁ֥ר חֵ֝רְפ֗וּ עִקְּב֥וֹת מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃	52b	that they have scorned the footsteps of your anointed one!
בָּר֖וּךְ יְהוָ֥ה לְ֝עוֹלָ֗ם אָ֘מֵ֥ן ׀ וְאָמֵֽן׃	53	Blessed be YHWH forever! Amen and Amen.

Speaker in vv. 4–5
- The change in speaker from vv. 2–3 to vv. 4–5 is unmarked. The content makes it unmistakably clear, however, that YHWH is the one speaking in vv. 4–5. Modern translations often add a quotative frame for clarity. E.g., ESV: "You have said" (cf. NIV, NLT, CSB, CEV, GNT, NET).
Addressee in vv. 4–5, 20–38
- YHWH's speech in v. 20 is addressed to his "loyal ones." The phrase probably refers to his "prophets" (so Rashi, Radak) and specifically to Nathan the prophet. (The plural "loyal ones" might be a figure of speech: whole for part.) Cf. 2 Sam 7:4—"That night, YHWH's word came to Nathan."
- (Alternatively, the plural indicates an address to the whole people.)^[1]
- Although the addressee in vv. 4–5 is not specified, we might assume that the speech here, which effectively summarizes vv. 20–38, is also addressed to YHWH's "loyal ones", i.e., prophets.
v. 13. The mountains "Tabor" and "Hermon" were strongly associated with divine beings (see lexical semantics note)
Note also that in the direct speech in v. 27, "David" is first person and YHWH is second person.
v. 39. On the change in speaker in v. 39ff, The Identity of Ethan the Ezrahite in Psalm89:1.
In light of the parallelism ("your servants"), the first-person singular in v. 51b probably refers collectively to the entire nation, personified as an individual carrying a heavy burden. (Cf. the use of first person singular and the personification of the nation in Lamentations 3.)

Participant Relations Diagram

The relationships among the participants may be abstracted and summarized as follows:

Participant Analysis Summary Distribution

Macrosyntax

What is Macrosyntax?

Macrosyntax Diagram

Legend

Macrosyntax legend
Vocatives	Vocatives are indicated by purple text.
Discourse marker	Discourse markers (such as כִּי, הִנֵּה, לָכֵן) are indicated by orange text.
	The scope governed by the discourse marker is indicated by a dashed orange bracket connecting the discourse marker to its scope.
	The preceding discourse grounding the discourse marker is indicated by a solid orange bracket encompassing the relevant clauses.
Subordinating conjunction	The subordinating conjunction is indicated by teal text.
	Subordination is indicated by a solid teal bracket connecting the subordinating conjunction with the clause to which it is subordinate.
Coordinating conjunction	The coordinating conjunction is indicated by blue text.
	Coordination is indicated by a solid blue line connecting the coordinating clauses.
	Coordination without an explicit conjunction is indicated by a dashed blue line connecting the coordinated clauses.
	Marked topic is indicated by a black dashed rounded rectangle around the marked words.
	The scope of the activated topic is indicated by a black dashed bracket encompassing the relevant clauses.
Marked focus or thetic sentence	Marked focus (if one constituent) or thetic sentences^[2] are indicated by bold text.
	Frame setters^[3] are indicated by a solid gray rounded rectangle around the marked words.
[blank line]	Discourse discontinuity is indicated by a blank line.
[indentation]	Syntactic subordination is indicated by indentation.
	Direct speech is indicated by a solid black rectangle surrounding all relevant clauses.
(text to elucidate the meaning of the macrosyntactic structures)	Within the CBC, any text elucidating the meaning of macrosyntax is indicated in gray text inside parentheses.

If an emendation or revocalization is preferred, that emendation or revocalization will be marked in the Hebrew text of all the visuals.

Emendations/Revocalizations legend
Emended text	Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is indicated by blue asterisks on either side of the emendation.
Revocalized text	Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is indicated by purple asterisks on either side of the revocalization.

(Click diagram to enlarge)

Selah marks discontinuity in vv. 5, 38, 46, 49.
The division between vv. 6–19 and vv. 20–38 is based on the frame setter and introduction of direct speech in v. 20. Also note the pervasiveness of marked-focus word order in vv. 10–19, which does not continue into v. 20. The two-fold repetition of כִּי in vv. 18–19 also strengthen the discontinuity.
The division between vv. 6–15 and vv. 16–19 is based on vocative in v. 16 and the scope of the כִּי in v. 7, which binds vv. 6–15 but probably doesn't extend through vv. 16–19.

In both clauses in v. 2, temporal adverbials are fronted for marked focus: "forever... for generations to come."
The first clause in v. 2 begins with the phrase "YHWH's acts of loyalty." The phrase might be fronted as the sentence topic because of its thematic significance to the psalm; the whole psalm is about "YHWH's acts of loyalty" (cf. v. 50). The fronting of this phrase also creates a chiasm in v. 2: A. "YHWH's acts of loyalty" B. "forever I will sing" // B. "for generations to come I will make known" A. "your faithfulness..."
According to Lunn, the word order in both clauses in v. 2 is purely poetic, marking the beginning of the poem.^[4]
The word order in v. 3a is interesting (adverbial–subject–verb). The adverbial "forever" is probably fronted for marked focus (cf. vv. 2, 5a). The word "loyalty" is also fronted as the second constituent, in this case for marked topic.
In v. 3b, the word "sky" is left-dislocated and resumed as the last constituent in the clause: "the sky—your reliability will be established in it." Ending v. 3 with the words אֱמוּנָתְךָ בָהֶם makes for a parallel ending with v. 2: אֱמוּנָתְךָ בְּפִי.
Lunn considers the word order in both clauses of v. 3 poetic (DEF//DEF), marking a peak in the discourse.^[5]
The adverbial "forever" in v. 5 is fronted for marked focus (cf. v. 2). The emphasis is on the permanence of David's dynasty. Lunn considers the word order poetic, marking closure.^[6]
Most of the clauses in vv. 10–19 exhibit marked focus (cf. Ps 74:13–17). Either the independent subject-pronoun "you" is fronted (vv. 10c, 11a, 12c, 13a), the prepositional phrase "yours" is fronted (vv. 12ab, 14a), a nominal reference to YHWH is fronted (vv. 19ab), or some other phrase with a pronominal reference to YHWH is fronted (vv. 11b, 13b, 16b, 17ab, 18b). In all of these instances, the purpose is to assert YHWH's superiority to all other gods (cf. v. 7). He is the one who controls the sea, who crushed Rahab, who owns heaven and earth, who gives his people victory, etc.—he and no one else.
The two clauses in vv. 12c–13a exhibit left-dislocation. In each clause, the object is fronted for marked topic and resumed as a pronominal element at the end of the clause. In v. 13b, the subject "Tabor and Hermon" is also fronted for marked topic. The psalmist is listing off noteworthy areas that belong to YHWH.
If "righteousness and justice" in v. 15 are the predicate complement and not the subject (see grammatical diagram), then the phrase is fronted, probably for marked focus: "your kingdom is not based on unrighteousness and injustice, but on righteousness and justice." The phrase "loyalty and faithfulness" is fronted in the next clause for similar effect. YHWH's court servants are none other than loyalty and faithfulness.
In v. 18a, the predicate complement is fronted for marked focus: "for you are the strength in which they glory." The point of the clause is what YHWH does for his people. He gives them strength that leads to victory, enabling them to boast gloriously over their enemies. For that reason, they are to be considered "happy" (v. 16a).
The fronting of the PP "with my holy oil" in v. 21 creates an inclusio with the previous line, with verbs occurring at the beginning and end of the verse: "I found... I anointed." The phrase "with my holy oil" could also be fronted for marked focus.
The subjects "hand" and "arm" in v. 22 are fronted in their respective clauses, creating an ABAB structure. The fronting in v. 22a might have been motivated by the desire to end the clause with the resumptive pronoun on עִמּוֹ. Hence: יָדִי תִּכּוֹן עִמּוֹ instead of תִּכּוֹן עִמּוֹ יָדִי. (Note also that every clause in vv. 21b–24a ends with a 3ms suffix.
In terms of word order, vv. 23–24 have ABBA structures.
In v. 25b, the PP "because of my name" is fronted as a parallel to the clause-initial noun phrases "my reliability and my loyalty" in the previous line, creating an ABAB structure.
The pronoun "he" in v. 27 is explicit and fronted for marked topic. It contrasts with the fronted pronoun "I" in the following verse. Lunn considers this an example of "expanding focus."^[7]
The phrase "my father" in v. 27 is fronted for marked focus, as is the phrase "firstborn" in v. 28.
The adverbial "forever" is fronted in v. 29 for marked focus (cf. vv. 2–5).
The word order in v. 31 creates an ABBA structure, while the word order in v. 32ab repeats the word order in v. 31b, creating an ABABAB structure and binding the two "if" clauses into a unit.
The phrase "my loyalty" in v. 34 is fronted for marked topic. Compare 2 Sam 7:15, to which this verse probably alludes—וְחַסְדִּ֖י לֹא־יָס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑נּוּ.^[8]
The word order in v. 35 creates an ABBA structure (cf. v. 31).
The adverbial "once and for all" in v. 36 is probably fronted for marked focus, underscoring the definite character of YHWH's oath.
Verse 36b is, literally, "If I lie to David..." The apodosis is implied, as is normal in Hebrew oaths (cf. BHRG §45): "If I lie to David (then may I be cursed)" >> "I will not lie to David."
The double fronting in v. 37a probably marks a topic-focus structure: "As for his descendants, they will be forever."
The adverbial in v. 38a, "like the moon," is fronted, which creates an ABAB pattern with the following line: "moon – will be established// "witness – [will be] reliable"
The phrase וְאַתָּה marks a strong break in the discourse (cf. Ps 3:4). Here, it introduces the second main part of the psalm (vv. 39–53), as a response to the first main part (vv. 2–38). Usually in the Psalter, וְאַתָּה marks a turn from despair to hope (e.g., Pss 3:4; 22:4, 20; 41:11; 55:24; 59:6, 9; 86:15; 102:13; 109:21). In this case, perhaps ironically, it marks the very opposite movement.
In terms of syntax and word order, vv. 39–46 are relatively straightforward, even monotonous. Almost every clause begins with a verb. The monotony and simplicity have a poetic effect. The psalmist is angrily bringing a list of accusations without much poetic embellishment. He gets right to the point. And the monotony of the syntax makes the list of charges feel especially long.
The word order in v. 45 creates an ABBA structure.
The adverbial phrase "for what futility" in v. 48c is fronted for marked focus. The point of the clause is not that YHWH "created all people"—that is assumed—but that he created them for futility. The exclamatory particle מָה gives further emphasis to the phrase.
In blessings such as "blessed be YHWH!" in v. 53, the predicate בָּרוּךְ is fronted (cf. Pss 28:6, 118:26; etc.).

The vocative in v. 6a is clause final, perhaps by default or by attraction to the 2ms pronominal suffix: "your wonders." Or perhaps its clause-final position helps to mark the end of the poetic line.^[9]
The vocatives in v. 9 are clause-initial, marking the beginning of a conversational turn.^[10] In vv. 6–8, YHWH is third person. Beginning in v. 9, he is addressed in the second person.
The vocative in v. 16 introduces vv. 16–19 as a new unit. In vv. 6–19, vocatives occur at significant macrostructural junctures, marking the beginning of the unit (v. 6a), the beginning of the address to YHWH (v. 9), and the beginning of a sub-unit (v. 16b). (The כִּי's in vv. 7, 18, 19 also support this macrosyntactic division.) The vocative is line initial, perhaps as a parallel to v. 9. It also helps to differentiate the clauses.^[11]
In v. 47, the position of the vocative after the interrogative "how long?" brings the question into sharper focus.^[12]
The position of the vocatives in v. 48 and v. 51 as the second constituent in their clauses focuses the preceding verbs: "Remember!"^[13]
The vocatives in v. 50 and v. 52 are clause final, perhaps marking the end of their respective lines.^[14]

The כִּי in v. 3 is a speech act causal כִּי,^[15] introducing the reason for the psalmist's commitment in v. 2: "I will sing about YHWH's loyalty forever, because [I became convinced that] YHWH's loyalty will last forever." The psalmist is committed (v. 2), because he is convinced (v. 3).
The כִּי in v. 7 is a speech act causal כִּי,^[16] introducing the reason why the heavenly beings should praise YHWH. Similar calls to praise in the Psalter (often with the verb ידה hiphil) are followed by כִּי introducing reasons for praise.^[17]
The word אַף in v. 12b marks the clause as a "noteworthy addition" (see BHRG §40.1.4; cf. Ps 74:16a).
The כִּי clauses in vv. 18–19 ground the אַשְׁרֵי speech act in v. 16. The reason why the psalmist declares YHWH's people "happy" (v. 16), is because YHWH gives them victory (v. 18) and ensures their protection (v. 19).
In v. 20, the discourse marker אז is a temporal frame setter.
The word אַף in v. 22b marks the clause as a "noteworthy addition" (see BHRG §40.1.4; cf. vv. 6, 12, 28, 44).
The word אַף in v. 28 marks the clause as a "noteworthy addition" (see BHRG §40.1.4).
The word אַף in v. 44a marks the clause as a "noteworthy addition" (see BHRG §40.14). It depicts YHWH actively thwarting the attempt of his anointed to defend himself. (Note that this clause is also marked by the use of a yiqtol.)

The waw in v. 6, which occurs at the beginning of a major poetic section (see Poetic Structure), functions at a high level of the discourse, joining vv. 6–19 to vv. 2–5 and marking a poetic turn.^[18]
The subordinate clause in v. 10a, "when its waves rise up," is fronted as a frame setter.
The clauses in vv. 23-26 are coordinated by a string of waw conjunctions.
The waw in v. 33 marks the apodosis (the "then" clause) of the conditional sentence (cf. GKC §112ff).

Speech Act Analysis

What is Speech Act Analysis?

The Speech Act layer presents the text in terms of what it does, following the findings of Speech Act Theory. It builds on the recognition that there is more to communication than the exchange of propositions. Speech act analysis is particularly important when communicating cross-culturally, and lack of understanding can lead to serious misunderstandings, since the ways languages and cultures perform speech acts varies widely.

For a detailed explanation of our method, see the Speech Act Analysis Creator Guidelines.

Summary Visual
Analysis Chart

Summary Visual

Speaker	Verses	Macro Speech Acts	Addressee

Psalmist /Ethan	v. 1 A maskil. By Ethan the Ezrahite.	Superscription (v. 1)	God

Psalmist /Ethan	v. 2 I will sing forever about YHWH's acts of loyalty. I will make your reliability known with my mouth for generations to come.	Praise (vv. 2–3)	YHWH
Psalmist /Ethan	v. 3 For I said, Loyalty will be built up forever. The sky—your reliability will be established in it."	I will sing about YHWH’s loyalty forever!	YHWH

YHWH	v. 4 I have made a covenant with my chosen one. I have sworn an oath to David, my servant:	Covenant Commemoration (vv. 4–5)	Prophets
YHWH	v. 5 I will establish your descendants forever, and I will build your throne for generations to come.'" Selah.	I will make David’s dynasty and kingdom last forever.	Prophets

Psalmist /Ethan	v. 6 So let the sky praise your wonders, YHWH! [Let them praise] your reliability, too, in the assembly of holy ones!	Praise (vv. 6–19)	YHWH
	v. 7 For who in heaven can compare to YHWH? [Who] among the divine beings is like YHWH?	There is no one like you, YHWH!
	v. 8 [He is] a god who is terrifying in the council of holy ones, great and fearful above everyone around him.
	v. 9 YHWH, God of armies, who is like you? Mighty Yah, [who is like you] with your reliability around you?
	v. 10 You rule over the swelling of the sea. When its waves rise up, you control them.	For example You alone control chaos (vv. 10–11) You alone created the world (vv. 12–13) You are a great king (vv. 14–15)
	v. 11 You crushed Rahab like those who are slain. With your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
	v. 12 The sky is yours; the earth also is yours. The world and all that is in it—you founded them.
	v. 13 North and south—you created them. Tabor and Hermon rejoice at your name.
	v. 14 You have a strong arm, together with might. Your hand is powerful, your right hand exalted.
	v. 15 The base of your throne is righteousness and justice. Loyalty and faithfulness stand in front of your presence.
	v. 16 Happy are the people, those who know the signal, YHWH, who go about in the light of your presence!	Your people are privileged to have you as their God!
	v. 17 They are always glad because of your name, and exalted because of your righteousness.
	v. 18 For you are the strength in which they glory, and our horn will be exalted because of your favor.
	v. 19 For our shield belongs to YHWH, and our king belongs to the holy one of Israel.

YHWH	v. 20 Long ago, you spoke in a vision to your loyal ones and said, I have granted help to a warrior I have exalted someone chosen from the people.	Covenant Commemoration (vv. 20–38)	Prophets
	v. 21 I have found David, my servant; I have anointed him with my holy oil;	“I chose David” (vv. 20b–21 — Historical Prologue)
	v. 22 My hand will always be with him; my arm will also strengthen him.	“I will exalt him over his enemies” (vv. 22–28 — Covenant Promises I)
	v. 23 No enemy will exact tribute from him, and no unjust person will afflict him.
	v. 24 But I will crush his adversaries from before him, and strike down those who are hostile to him.
	v. 25 And my reliability and my loyalty will be with him, and his horn will be exalted because of my name.
	v. 26 And I will put his hand on the sea and his right hand on the currents.
	v. 27 He will call out to me, You are my father, my god and the rock who saves me."
	v. 28 What's more, I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
	v. 29 I will keep my loyalty for him forever, and my covenant will be enduring for him.	“I will make his dynasty and kingdom last forever” (vv. 29–38 — Covenant Promises II)
	v. 30 I will establish his descendants forever and his throne as long as the sky endures.
	v. 31 If his descendants reject my instruction and do not walk according to my rules;
	v. 32 if they dishonor my decrees and do not keep my commands,
	v. 33 then I will punish their rebellion with a rod and their iniquity with wounds.
	v. 34 But I will not annul my loyalty from being with him, and I will not deal falsely with my reliability.
	v. 35 I will not dishonor my covenant or change what has come from my lips.
	v. 36 Once and for all I swear an oath by my holiness: I will not lie to David.	“I swear to keep my promises to David” (vv. 36–38 — Oath)
	v. 37 His descendants will be forever, and his throne [will be] like the sun before me.
	v. 38 Like the moon it will be established forever, and [like] the witness in heaven [it will be] enduring.'" Selah.	“the moon… the witness…” — Invocation of Witness (v. 38b)

Israel	v. 39 But you have rejected and refused! You have become furious with your anointed one.	Accusation (vv. 39–46)	YHWH
	v. 40 You have renounced the covenant with your servant. You have thrown his crown down to the ground as something profane.	But you have rejected and refused! You have put an end to his kingdom.
	v. 41 You have breached all of his walls. You have made his strongholds a ruin.
	v. 42 All who pass by have plundered him. He has become an object of scorn to his neighbors.
	v. 43 You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries. You have caused all of his enemies to rejoice.
	v. 44 What's worse, you turn back his sharp sword, and you did not help him up in the battle.
	v. 45 You have put an end to his splendor and hurled his throne down to the ground.
	v. 46 You have cut short the days of his youth. You have covered him with shame. Selah.

Israel	v. 47 How long, YHWH? Will you hide yourself forever? Will your wrath rage like a fire [forever]?	Plea (vv. 47–53)	YHWH
	v. 48 Remember, Lord, what a lifespan is, for what futility you created all people!	Remember that we don’t have long!
	v. 49 What person can live and not see death, can rescue his life from the power of Sheol? Selah.
	v. 50 Where are your former acts of loyalty, Lord, which you swore to David in your reliability?	Remember Remember that we are scorned by the nations!
	v. 51 Remember, Lord, how your servants are scorned, how I carry in my bosom all the insults of the peoples!
	v. 52 [Remember] that your enemies have scorned, YHWH, that they have scorned the footsteps of your anointed one!
	v. 53 Blessed be YHWH forever! Amen and Amen.

Speech Act Analysis Chart

The following chart is scrollable (left/right; up/down).

Legend

Verse	Hebrew	CBC	Sentence type	Illocution (general)	Illocution with context	Macro speech act	Intended perlocution (Think)	Intended perlocution (Feel)	Intended perlocution (Do)
Verse number and poetic line	Hebrew text	English translation	Declarative, Imperative, or Interrogative Indirect Speech Act: Mismatch between sentence type and illocution type	Assertive, Directive, Expressive, Commissive, or Declaratory Indirect Speech Act: Mismatch between sentence type and illocution type	More specific illocution type with paraphrased context	Illocutionary intent (i.e. communicative purpose) of larger sections of discourse These align with the "Speech Act Summary" headings	What the speaker intends for the address to think	What the speaker intends for the address to feel	What the speaker intends for the address to do

If an emendation or revocalization is preferred, that emendation or revocalization will be marked in the Hebrew text of all the visuals.

Emendations/Revocalizations legend
Emended text	Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is indicated by blue asterisks on either side of the emendation.
Revocalized text	Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is indicated by purple asterisks on either side of the revocalization.

Verse	Text (Hebrew)	Text (CBC)	Sentence type	Illocution (general)	Illocution with context	Macro speech act		Intended perlocution (Think)	Intended perlocution (Feel)	Intended perlocution (Do)	Speech Act Notes
1	מַ֝שְׂכִּ֗יל לְאֵיתָ֥ן הָֽאֶזְרָחִֽי׃	A maskil. By Ethan the Ezrahite.	Fragment	Assertive	Giving information about the author and genre of the psalm	Giving information about the author and genre of the psalm		The reader/listener will form expectations for the psalm based on its genre (maskil) and author (Ethan the Ezrahite)
2	חַֽסְדֵ֣י יְ֭הוָה עוֹלָ֣ם אָשִׁ֑ירָה	I will sing forever about YHWH's acts of loyalty.	Declarative	Commissive	Committing to sing forever about YHWH's acts of loyalty	Committing to unending praise of YHWH's loyalty and reliability	Committing to unending praise of YHWH's unending loyalty and reliability • Celebrating YHWH's unending loyalty to David	The reader/listener will be convinced that YHWH's loyalty will last forever	YHWH will be pleased with his people's praise The reader/listener will feel confident that YHWH will keep his covenant promises forever	YHWH will continue to perform acts of loyalty The reader/listener will join the psalmist in celebrating YHWH's unending loyalty
	לְדֹ֥ר וָדֹ֓ר ׀ אוֹדִ֖יעַ אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בְּפִֽי׃	I will make your reliability known with my mouth for generations to come.	Declarative	Commissive	Committing to make known YHWH's reliability forever
3	כִּֽי־אָמַ֗רְתִּי	For I said,	Declarative • "Declarative" • "Declarative"	Assertive • "Assertive" • "Assertive"	Explaining why he is committed to singing about YHWH's loyalty forever • "Claiming that YHWH's loyalty will be built up forever" • "Claiming that YHWH's reliability is in the sky and therefore untouchable"	Explaining why he is committed to singing about YHWH's loyalty forever (grounding his commitment in his conviction)
	ע֭וֹלָם חֶ֣סֶד יִבָּנֶ֑ה	"Loyalty will be built up forever.
	שָׁמַ֓יִם ׀ תִּכֹּן אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בָהֶֽם׃	The sky—your reliability will be established in it."
4	כָּרַ֣תִּֽי בְ֭רִית לִבְחִירִ֑י	"I have made a covenant with my chosen one.	Declarative	Assertive	Recalling the covenant that he made with David	Recalling the covenant that he (YHWH) made with David, with its promises of an unending dynasty and kingdom		The reader/listener will remember what YHWH has promised	The reader/listener will be hopeful for the future, confident that YHWH will keep his promises
	נִ֝שְׁבַּ֗עְתִּי לְדָוִ֥ד עַבְדִּֽי׃	I have sworn an oath to David, my servant:	Declarative	Assertive	Recalling the oath that the swore to David
5	עַד־ע֭וֹלָם אָכִ֣ין זַרְעֶ֑ךָ	I will establish your descendants forever,	Declarative	Commissive	Promising that he will establish David's dynasty forever
	וּבָנִ֨יתִי לְדֹר־וָד֖וֹר כִּסְאֲךָ֣ סֶֽלָה׃	and I will build your throne for generations to come.'" Selah.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising he will build David's kingdom forever
6	וְי֘וֹד֤וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם פִּלְאֲךָ֣ יְהוָ֑ה	So let the sky praise your wonders, YHWH!	Imperative	Directive	Summoning the heavenly beings to praise YHWH for his wonders	Summoning the heavenly beings to praise YHWH	Praising YHWH for his uniqueness, for the supremacy of his kingdom	The reader/listener will remember that there is no one like YHWH and, therefore, there is no one who can stop YHWH from keeping his covenant promises	YHWH will be pleased with his people's praise The reader/listener will be in awe of YHWH's greatness	YHWH will continue to demonstrate his superiority and give his people victory The reader/listener will praise YHWH
	אַף־אֱ֝מֽוּנָתְךָ֗ בִּקְהַ֥ל קְדֹשִֽׁים׃	[Let them praise] your reliability, too, in the assembly of holy ones!	Imperative	Directive	Summoning the heavenly beings to praise YHWH for his reliability
7	כִּ֤י מִ֣י בַ֭שַּׁחַק יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ לַיהוָ֑ה	For who in heaven can compare to YHWH?	Interrogative	Assertive	Introducing the reasons why the heavenly beings should praise YHWH: claiming that there is no one in heaven who compares to YHWH	Giving reasons why the heavenly beings should praise YHWH
	יִדְמֶ֥ה לַ֝יהוָ֗ה בִּבְנֵ֥י אֵלִים׃	[Who] among the divine beings is like YHWH?	Interrogative	Assertive	Claiming that there is no one among the divine beings who is like YHWH
8	אֵ֣ל נַ֭עֲרָץ בְּסוֹד־קְדֹשִׁ֣ים	[He is] a god who is terrifying in the council of holy ones,	Declarative	Assertive	Describing YHWH as a god who is terrifying to the other divine beings
	רַבָּ֑ה וְ֝נוֹרָ֗א עַל־כָּל־סְבִיבָֽיו׃	great and fearful above everyone around him.	Declarative	Assertive	Descibing YHWH as a good who is great and fearful above all of the divine beings around him
9	יְהוָ֤ה ׀ אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י צְבָא֗וֹת מִֽי־כָֽמ֖וֹךָ	YHWH, God of armies, who is like you?	Interrogative	Assertive	Praising YHWH for his uniqueness	Praising YHWH for his uniqueness
	חֲסִ֥ין ׀ יָ֑הּ	Mighty Yah, [who is like you]	Interrogative	Assertive	Praising YHWH for his uniqueness
	וֶ֝אֱמֽוּנָתְךָ֗ סְבִיבוֹתֶֽיךָ׃	with your reliability around you?	Declarative	Assertive	Praising YHWH for his reliability
10	אַתָּ֣ה מ֭וֹשֵׁל בְּגֵא֣וּת הַיָּ֑ם	You rule over the swelling of the sea.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH rules over the swelling of the sea	Praising YHWH for his single-handed control over chaos and for defeating chaos at creation
	בְּשׂ֥וֹא גַ֝לָּ֗יו אַתָּ֥ה תְשַׁבְּחֵֽם׃	When its waves rise up, you control them.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH alone controls the waves when they rise
11	אַתָּ֤ה דִכִּ֣אתָ כֶחָלָ֣ל רָ֑הַב	You crushed Rahab like those who are slain.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH is the one who crushed Rahab, the sea monster
	בִּזְר֥וֹעַ עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ פִּזַּ֥רְתָּ אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃	With your strong arm you scattered your enemies.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH scattered his enemies with his powerful arm
12	לְךָ֣ שָׁ֭מַיִם	The sky is yours;	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that the sky belongs to YHWH alone	Praising YHWH as the sole creator and owner of the whole world
	אַף־לְךָ֥ אָ֑רֶץ	the earth also is yours.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that the earth also belongs to YHWH alone
	תֵּבֵ֥ל וּ֝מְלֹאָ֗הּ אַתָּ֥ה יְסַדְתָּֽם׃	The world and all that is in it—you founded them.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH is the one who founded the world and everything in it
13	צָפ֣וֹן וְ֭יָמִין אַתָּ֣ה בְרָאתָ֑ם	North and south—you created them.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH is the one who created north and south
	תָּב֥וֹר וְ֝חֶרְמ֗וֹן בְּשִׁמְךָ֥ יְרַנֵּֽנוּ׃	Tabor and Hermon rejoice at your name.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that the mountains Tabor and Hermon rejoice at YHWH's name
14	לְךָ֣ זְ֭רוֹעַ עִם־גְּבוּרָ֑ה	You have a strong arm, together with might.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH has a strong arm together with might	Praising YHWH for his supreme exhibition of royal attributes
	תָּעֹ֥ז יָ֝דְךָ֗	Your hand is powerful,	Declarative	Assertive	Describing YHWH's power
	תָּר֥וּם יְמִינֶֽךָ׃	your right hand exalted.	Declarative	Assertive	Describing YHWH's exalted status, his supremacy over enemies
15	צֶ֣דֶק וּ֭מִשְׁפָּט מְכ֣וֹן כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ	The base of your throne is righteousness and justice.	Declarative	Assertive	Describing YHWH's kingdom as characterized by righteousness and justice
	חֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת יְֽקַדְּמ֥וּ פָנֶֽיךָ׃	Loyalty and faithfulness stand in front of your presence.	Declarative	Assertive	Describing YHWH's kingship as characterized by loyalty and faithfulness
16	אַשְׁרֵ֣י הָ֭עָם יוֹדְעֵ֣י תְרוּעָ֑ה	Happy are the people, those who know the signal,	Fragment	Expressive	Expressing admiration/congratulations for/to YHWH's people	Celebrating those who have the special privilege of being YHWH's people			The reader/listener will freel privileged to be counted among YHWH's people
	יְ֝הוָ֗ה בְּֽאוֹר־פָּנֶ֥יךָ יְהַלֵּכֽוּן׃	YHWH, who go about in the light of your presence!	Declarative	Assertive	Describing YHWH's people as those who go about in the light of his presence
17	בְּ֭שִׁמְךָ יְגִיל֣וּן כָּל־הַיּ֑וֹם	They are always glad because of your name,	Declarative	Assertive	Describing YHWH's people as those who are always glad because of his name
	וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ֥ יָרֽוּמוּ׃	and exalted because of your righteousness.	Declarative	Assertive	Describing YHWH's people as those who are exalted in victory because of YHWH's righteousness
18	כִּֽי־תִפְאֶ֣רֶת עֻזָּ֣מוֹ אָ֑תָּה	For you are the strength in which they glory,	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH gives his people victory in battle; he is the strength in which they can boast over their enemies	Explaining why YHWH's people are worth celebrating; describing the benefits of being YHWH's people
	וּ֝בִרְצֹנְךָ֗ תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֵֽנוּ׃	and our horn will be exalted because of your favor.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH's people have victory over their enemies because of YHWH's righteousness
19	כִּ֣י לַֽ֭יהוָה מָֽגִנֵּ֑נוּ	For our shield belongs to YHWH,	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH is the one who guarantees his people's protection
	וְלִקְד֖וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל מַלְכֵּֽנוּ׃	and our king belongs to the holy one of Israel.	Declarative	Assertive	Claiming that YHWH is the one who guarantees the well-being of his people's king
20	אָ֤ז דִּבַּ֥רְתָּֽ־בְחָ֡זוֹן לַֽחֲסִידֶ֗יךָ	Long ago, you spoke in a vision to your loyal ones	Declarative	Assertive	Recalling the time when YHWH spoke in a vision to his prophets	Introducing what YHWH said in a vision to his prophets	Recalling YHWH's covenant promises to David	The reader/listener will remember what YHWH has promised	The reader/listener will be hopeful for the future, confident that YHWH will keep his promises		The recollection of the Davidic covenant (vv. 20–38) follows the basic pattern of an Ancient Near Eastern treaty, or covenant (cf. Gentry and Wellum 2012, 308). First is a brief historical prologue (vv. 20–21), describing the relationship up to the time of speaking. YHWH has helped David in battle, exalted him, and anointed him as king (cf. 1 Sam 16ff) (cf. the historical prologue at the beginning of the Book of the Covenant in Exodus 20:1; see also Deut 1:6–4:44 as a historical prologue to the covenant). Then, there is a series of covenant promises relating to the supremacy of David's kingdom (vv. 22–28) and the duration of David's kingdom (vv. 29–38). In vv. 22–28, YHWH promises to make David supreme over all of his enemies, and in vv. 29–38, he promises to make his dynasty and kingdom last forever. Finally, this section of the psalm ends by invoking the moon as a "witness" to the covenant (v. 38b, see [1](https://psalms.scriptura.org/w/The_Text_and_Meaning_of_Ps_89:38b)). Similarly, Hittite treaties from the late 2nd millennium BC give a list of witnesses to the treaty, including the sun god and the moon god. The moon god is even called "the Lord/King of the oath."
	וַתֹּ֗אמֶר	and said,	Declarative	Assertive	Introducing what YHWH said
	שִׁוִּ֣יתִי עֵ֭זֶר עַל־גִּבּ֑וֹר	"I have granted help to a warrior	Declarative	Assertive	Describing how he has helped David win battles and gain prominence	Describing his choice of David as background to his covenant promises
	הֲרִימ֖וֹתִי בָח֣וּר מֵעָֽם׃	I have exalted someone chosen from the people.	Declarative	Assertive	Descibing how he has chosen and exalted David
21	מָ֭צָאתִי דָּוִ֣ד עַבְדִּ֑י	I have found David, my servant;	Declarative	Assertive	Describing how, through Samuel the prophet, he found David (in Bethlehem, when he was keeping his father's sheep)
	בְּשֶׁ֖מֶן קָדְשִׁ֣י מְשַׁחְתִּֽיו׃	I have anointed him with my holy oil;	Declarative	Assertive	Describing how he anointed David with holy oil through Samuel the prophet
22	אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָ֭דִי תִּכּ֣וֹן עִמּ֑וֹ	My hand will always be with him;	Declarative	Commissive	Promising that his hand will always be with David	Promising to make David supreme over all of his enemies, over all other kings
	אַף־זְרוֹעִ֥י תְאַמְּצֶֽנּוּ׃	my arm will also strengthen him.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising that his arm will strengthen David
23	לֹֽא־יַשִּׁ֣א אוֹיֵ֣ב בּ֑וֹ	No enemy will exact tribute from him,	Declarative	Commissive	Promising that no enemy will exact tribute from David
	וּבֶן־עַ֝וְלָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽנּוּ׃	and no unjust person will afflict him.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising that no enemy nation will afflict David
24	וְכַתּוֹתִ֣י מִפָּנָ֣יו צָרָ֑יו	But I will crush his adversaries from before him,	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to crush David's adversaries
	וּמְשַׂנְאָ֥יו אֶגּֽוֹף׃	and strike down those who are hostile to him.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to strike down those who are hostile to David
25	וֶֽאֶֽמוּנָתִ֣י וְחַסְדִּ֣י עִמּ֑וֹ	And my reliability and my loyalty will be with him,	Declarative	Commissive	Pledging covenant loyalty to David
	וּ֝בִשְׁמִ֗י תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֽוֹ׃	and his horn will be exalted because of my name.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising victory to David
26	וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י בַיָּ֣ם יָד֑וֹ	And I will put his hand on the sea	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to give David control over the sea
	וּֽבַנְּהָר֥וֹת יְמִינֽוֹ׃	and his right hand on the currents.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to give David control over the currents
27	ה֣וּא יִ֭קְרָאֵנִי	He will call out to me,	Declarative • "Declarative"	Commissive • "Assertive"	Promising to act towards David as his father, his god, and the rock who saves him • "Professing trust in YHWH"
	אָ֣בִי אָ֑תָּה אֵ֝לִ֗י וְצ֣וּר יְשׁוּעָתִֽי׃	"You are my father, my god and the rock who saves me."
28	אַף־אָ֭נִי בְּכ֣וֹר אֶתְּנֵ֑הוּ עֶ֝לְי֗וֹן לְמַלְכֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃	What's more, I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to make David supreme over all other earthly kings (like a firstborn son)

29	לְ֭עוֹלָ֗ם אֶשְׁמָור־ל֣וֹ חַסְדִּ֑י	I will keep my loyalty for him forever,	Declarative	Commissive	Pledging loyalty to David forever	Promising to make David's kingdom and dynasty last forever
	וּ֝בְרִיתִ֗י נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת לֽוֹ׃	and my covenant will be enduring for him.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising that his covenant with David will endure forever
30	וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י לָעַ֣ד זַרְע֑וֹ	I will establish his descendants forever	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to make David's dynasty continue forever
	וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ כִּימֵ֥י שָׁמָֽיִם׃	and his throne as long as the sky endures.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to make David's kingdom last as long as the sky
31	אִם־יַֽעַזְב֣וּ בָ֭נָיו תּוֹרָתִ֑י	If his descendants reject my instruction	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to discipline David's descendants for their rebellion
	וּ֝בְמִשְׁפָּטַ֗י לֹ֣א יֵלֵכֽוּן׃	and do not walk according to my rules;
32	אִם־חֻקֹּתַ֥י יְחַלֵּ֑לוּ	if they dishonor my decrees
	וּ֝מִצְוֺתַ֗י לֹ֣א יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ׃	and do not keep my commands,
33	וּפָקַדְתִּ֣י בְשֵׁ֣בֶט פִּשְׁעָ֑ם	then I will punish their rebellion with a rod
	וּבִנְגָעִ֥ים עֲוֺנָֽם׃	and their iniquity with wounds.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to discipline David's descendants for their iniquity
34	וְ֭חַסְדִּי לֹֽא־אָפִ֣יר מֵֽעִמּ֑וֹ	But I will not annul my loyalty from being with him,	Declarative	Commissive	Promising that his loyalty will remain with David, even through the discipline process
	וְלֹֽא־אֲ֝שַׁקֵּ֗ר בֶּאֱמוּנָתִֽי׃	and I will not deal falsely with my reliability.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to stay true to his covenant promises, even in spite of the faithlessness of David's descendants
35	לֹא־אֲחַלֵּ֥ל בְּרִיתִ֑י	I will not dishonor my covenant	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to never dishonor his covenant with David
	וּמוֹצָ֥א שְׂ֝פָתַ֗י לֹ֣א אֲשַׁנֶּֽה׃	or change what has come from my lips.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to never change his promises to David
36	אַ֭חַת נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי בְקָדְשִׁ֑י	Once and for all I swear an oath by my holiness:	Declarative	Declaratory	Swearing an oath to David	Sealing his covenant promises with an oath
	אִֽם־לְדָוִ֥ד אֲכַזֵּֽב׃	I will not lie to David.	Declarative	Declaratory	Invoking a curse on himself should his oath to David prove false
37	זַ֭רְעוֹ לְעוֹלָ֣ם יִהְיֶ֑ה	His descendants will be forever,	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to make David's dynasty last forever
	וְכִסְא֖וֹ כַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ נֶגְדִּֽי׃	and his throne [will be] like the sun before me.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to make David's kingdom last forever (as long as the sun)
38	כְּ֭יָרֵחַ יִכּ֣וֹן עוֹלָ֑ם	Like the moon it will be established forever,	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to establish David's kingdom forever
	וְעֵ֥ד בַּ֝שַּׁ֗חַק נֶאֱמָ֥ן סֶֽלָה׃	and [like] the witness in heaven [it will be] enduring.'" Selah.	Declarative	Commissive	Promising to establish David's kingdom like the moon; Invoking the moon as a witness to the covenant
39	וְאַתָּ֣ה זָ֭נַחְתָּ	But you have rejected	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of rejecting his anointed one	Accusing YHWH of rejecting his anointed one and refusing to keep his covenant promises	Lamenting the apparent end of YHWH's loyalty to David	The reader/listener will conclude that YHWH has rejected his anointed one	The reader/listener will feel surprised, disappointed, and betrayed at YHWH's apparent infidelity	YHWH will be moved to vindicate himself and keep his covenant promises
	וַתִּמְאָ֑ס	and refused!	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of refusing to keep his promises
	הִ֝תְעַבַּ֗רְתָּ עִם־מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃	You have become furious with your anointed one.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of having become furious with his anointed one
40	נֵ֭אַרְתָּה בְּרִ֣ית עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ	You have renounced the covenant with your servant.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of renouncing his covenant with his servant
	חִלַּ֖לְתָּ לָאָ֣רֶץ נִזְרֽוֹ׃	You have thrown his crown down to the ground as something profane.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of throwing the king's crown as though it were something profane
41	פָּרַ֥צְתָּ כָל־גְּדֵרֹתָ֑יו	You have breached all of his walls.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of tearing down the king's walls
	שַׂ֖מְתָּ מִבְצָרָ֣יו מְחִתָּה׃	You have made his strongholds a ruin.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of making the king's strongholds a ruin
42	שַׁ֭סֻּהוּ כָּל־עֹ֣בְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ	All who pass by have plundered him.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of stripping away all protection from the king's land, such that passersby can plunder him at will
	הָיָ֥ה חֶ֝רְפָּ֗ה לִשְׁכֵנָֽיו׃	He has become an object of scorn to his neighbors.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of letting his king become an object of scorn to his neighbors
43	הֲ֭רִימוֹתָ יְמִ֣ין צָרָ֑יו	You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of exalting the king's enemies
	הִ֝שְׂמַ֗חְתָּ כָּל־אוֹיְבָֽיו׃	You have caused all of his enemies to rejoice.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of causing the king's enemies to rejoice in victory over him
44	אַף־תָּ֭שִׁיב צ֣וּר חַרְבּ֑וֹ	What's worse, you turn back his sharp sword,	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of fighting against the king
	וְלֹ֥א הֲ֝קֵימֹת֗וֹ בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃	and you did not help him up in the battle.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of not helping up the king in battle
45	הִשְׁבַּ֥תָּ מִטְּהָר֑וֹ	You have put an end to his splendor	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of putting the king's splendor to an end
	וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ לָאָ֥רֶץ מִגַּֽרְתָּה׃	and hurled his throne down to the ground.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of hurling the king's throne down to the ground, of putting an end to his kingdom
46	הִ֭קְצַרְתָּ יְמֵ֣י עֲלוּמָ֑יו	You have cut short the days of his youth.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of cutting short the days of the king's youth
	הֶֽעֱטִ֨יתָ עָלָ֖יו בּוּשָׁ֣ה סֶֽלָה׃	You have covered him with shame. Selah.	Declarative	Assertive	Accusing YHWH of covering the king with shame
47	עַד־מָ֣ה יְ֭הוָה	How long, YHWH?	Interrogative	Expressive	Expressing emotional pain and the inability to bear the present circumstances much longer	Expressing emotional pain and the inability to bear the present circumstances much longer	Pleading with YHWH to have pity	YHWH will remember how frail his human creatures are and how much scorn his people are suffering	YHWH will feel pity on his people	YHWH will rescue and vindicate his people
	תִּסָּתֵ֣ר לָנֶ֑צַח	Will you hide yourself forever?	Interrogative	Expressive	Expressing the feeling that YHWH has been hiding himself for a long time
	תִּבְעַ֖ר כְּמוֹ־אֵ֣שׁ חֲמָתֶֽךָ׃	Will your wrath rage like a fire [forever]?	Interrogative	Expressive	Expressing the feeling that YHWH's anger might continue forever
48	זְכָר־אֲדֹנָי מֶה־חָ֑לֶד	Remember, Lord, what a lifespan is,	Imperative	Directive	Pleading with YHWH to remember what a human lifespan is	Pleading with YHWH to hurry and have mercy on his people before they die
	עַל־מַה־שָּׁ֝֗וְא בָּרָ֥אתָ כָל־בְּנֵי־אָדָֽם׃	for what futility you created all people!	Imperative	Directive	Pleading with YHWH to remember how futile human existence is
49	מִ֤י גֶ֣בֶר יִֽ֭חְיֶה	What person can live	Interrogative	Assertive	Reminding YHWH that no one lives forever
	וְלֹ֣א יִרְאֶה־מָּ֑וֶת	and not see death,	Interrogative	Assertive	Reminding YHWH that everybody dies
	יְמַלֵּ֨ט נַפְשׁ֖וֹ מִיַּד־שְׁא֣וֹל סֶֽלָה׃	can rescue his life from the power of Sheol? Selah.	Interrogative	Assertive	Reminding YHWH that no one can keep himself from dying or bring himself back from the dead
50	אַיֵּ֤ה ׀ חֲסָדֶ֖יךָ הָרִאשֹׁנִ֥ים ׀ אֲדֹנָ֑י	Where are your former acts of loyalty, Lord,	Interrogative	Expressive	Expressing the feeling that YHWH's acts of loyalty are nowhere to be found	Expressing the feeling that YHWH's acts of loyalty are nowhere to be found, that YHWH's oath to David has come to nothing
	נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתָּ לְ֝דָוִ֗ד בֶּאֱמוּנָתֶֽךָ׃	which you swore to David in your reliability?
51	זְכֹ֣ר אֲ֭דֹנָי חֶרְפַּ֣ת עֲבָדֶ֑יךָ	Remember, Lord, how your servants are scorned,	Imperative	Directive	Pleading with YHWH to remember how his servants are scorned	Pleading with YHWH to have mercy on his poor servants, who are scorned by the nations
	שְׂאֵתִ֥י בְ֝חֵיקִ֗י כָּל־רִבֵי מֵעַמִּֽים׃	how I carry in my bosom all the insults of the peoples!	Imperative	Directive	Pleading with YHWH to remember how his people suffer insults from all nations
52	אֲשֶׁ֤ר חֵרְפ֖וּ אוֹיְבֶ֥יךָ ׀ יְהוָ֑ה	[Remember] that your enemies have scorned, YHWH,	Imperative	Directive	Pleading with YHWH to remember how his enemies scorn
	אֲשֶׁ֥ר חֵ֝רְפ֗וּ עִקְּב֥וֹת מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃	that they have scorned the footsteps of your anointed one!	Imperative	Directive	Pleading with YHWH to remember how his enemies scorn his anointed one
53	בָּר֖וּךְ יְהוָ֥ה לְ֝עוֹלָ֗ם אָ֘מֵ֥ן ׀ וְאָמֵֽן׃	Blessed be YHWH forever! Amen and Amen.	Imperative	Expressive	Blessing YHWH	Blessing YHWH, even in the midst of doubt and difficulty				The reader/listener will bless YHWH even in midst of doubt and difficulty

Emotional Analysis

What is Emotional Analysis?

This layer explores the emotional dimension of the biblical text and seeks to uncover the clues within the text itself that are part of the communicative intent of its author. The goal of this analysis is to chart the basic emotional tone and/or progression of the psalm.

For a detailed explanation of our method, see the Emotional Analysis Creator Guidelines.

Emotional Analysis Chart

Legend

If an emendation or revocalization is preferred, that emendation or revocalization will be marked in the Hebrew text of all the visuals.

Emendations/Revocalizations legend
Emended text	Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is indicated by blue asterisks on either side of the emendation.
Revocalized text	Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is indicated by purple asterisks on either side of the revocalization.

Verse	Text (Hebrew)	Text (CBC)	The Psalmist Feels (General)	Emotional Analysis Notes
1	מַ֝שְׂכִּ֗יל לְאֵיתָ֥ן הָֽאֶזְרָחִֽי׃	A maskil. By Ethan the Ezrahite.
2	חַֽסְדֵ֣י יְ֭הוָה עוֹלָ֣ם אָשִׁ֑ירָה	I will sing forever about YHWH's acts of loyalty.	• The psalmist is joyful because of YHWH's unending loyalty • The psalmist feels confident that YHWH's loyalty, which is like a secure house in the sky, will continue forever, for generations to come	"Singing" (שׁיר) is closely associated with feelings of "joy" (שׂמחה) (see e.g., the parallel שׁיר/שׂמחה in Ps 137:3). The word שׁיר in the Psalter is overwhelmingly associated with positive emotion (see also Exod 15:1; Judg 5:1; etc.).
	לְדֹ֥ר וָדֹ֓ר ׀ אוֹדִ֖יעַ אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בְּפִֽי׃	I will make your reliability known with my mouth for generations to come.
3	כִּֽי־אָמַ֗רְתִּי	For I said,
	ע֭וֹלָם חֶ֣סֶד יִבָּנֶ֑ה	"Loyalty will be built up forever.
	שָׁמַ֓יִם ׀ תִּכֹּן אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בָהֶֽם׃	The sky—your reliability will be established in it."
4	כָּרַ֣תִּֽי בְ֭רִית לִבְחִירִ֑י	"I have made a covenant with my chosen one.	• The psalmist feels confident that YHWH will keep his covenant promises to David, his chosen one, his servant, forever • "YHWH feels determined to keep his covenant promises to David forever"
	נִ֝שְׁבַּ֗עְתִּי לְדָוִ֥ד עַבְדִּֽי׃	I have sworn an oath to David, my servant:
5	עַד־ע֭וֹלָם אָכִ֣ין זַרְעֶ֑ךָ	I will establish your descendants forever,
	וּבָנִ֨יתִי לְדֹר־וָד֖וֹר כִּסְאֲךָ֣ סֶֽלָה׃	and I will build your throne for generations to come.'" Selah.
6	וְי֘וֹד֤וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם פִּלְאֲךָ֣ יְהוָ֑ה	So let the sky praise your wonders, YHWH!	• The psamist feels awe at YHWH's greatness, his supremacy over all other divine beings
	אַף־אֱ֝מֽוּנָתְךָ֗ בִּקְהַ֥ל קְדֹשִֽׁים׃	[Let them praise] your reliability, too, in the assembly of holy ones!
7	כִּ֤י מִ֣י בַ֭שַּׁחַק יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ לַיהוָ֑ה	For who in heaven can compare to YHWH?
	יִדְמֶ֥ה לַ֝יהוָ֗ה בִּבְנֵ֥י אֵלִים׃	[Who] among the divine beings is like YHWH?
8	אֵ֣ל נַ֭עֲרָץ בְּסוֹד־קְדֹשִׁ֣ים	[He is] a god who is terrifying in the council of holy ones,		The description in v. 8 implies feelings of awe or fear. נערץ: "state in which deities inspire an extreme fear in others" (SDBH); נורא: "state in which humans, deities, places and activities have qualities that inspire fear in others"
	רַבָּ֑ה וְ֝נוֹרָ֗א עַל־כָּל־סְבִיבָֽיו׃	great and fearful above everyone around him.
9	יְהוָ֤ה ׀ אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י צְבָא֗וֹת מִֽי־כָֽמ֖וֹךָ	YHWH, God of armies, who is like you?
	חֲסִ֥ין ׀ יָ֑הּ	Mighty Yah, [who is like you]
	וֶ֝אֱמֽוּנָתְךָ֗ סְבִיבוֹתֶֽיךָ׃	with your reliability around you?
10	אַתָּ֣ה מ֭וֹשֵׁל בְּגֵא֣וּת הַיָּ֑ם	You rule over the swelling of the sea.
	בְּשׂ֥וֹא גַ֝לָּ֗יו אַתָּ֥ה תְשַׁבְּחֵֽם׃	When its waves rise up, you control them.
11	אַתָּ֤ה דִכִּ֣אתָ כֶחָלָ֣ל רָ֑הַב	You crushed Rahab like those who are slain.
	בִּזְר֥וֹעַ עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ פִּזַּ֥רְתָּ אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃	With your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
12	לְךָ֣ שָׁ֭מַיִם	The sky is yours;
	אַף־לְךָ֥ אָ֑רֶץ	the earth also is yours.
	תֵּבֵ֥ל וּ֝מְלֹאָ֗הּ אַתָּ֥ה יְסַדְתָּֽם׃	The world and all that is in it—you founded them.
13	צָפ֣וֹן וְ֭יָמִין אַתָּ֣ה בְרָאתָ֑ם	North and south—you created them.
	תָּב֥וֹר וְ֝חֶרְמ֗וֹן בְּשִׁמְךָ֥ יְרַנֵּֽנוּ׃	Tabor and Hermon rejoice at your name.
14	לְךָ֣ זְ֭רוֹעַ עִם־גְּבוּרָ֑ה	You have a strong arm, together with might.
	תָּעֹ֥ז יָ֝דְךָ֗	Your hand is powerful,
	תָּר֥וּם יְמִינֶֽךָ׃	your right hand exalted.
15	צֶ֣דֶק וּ֭מִשְׁפָּט מְכ֣וֹן כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ	The base of your throne is righteousness and justice.
	חֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת יְֽקַדְּמ֥וּ פָנֶֽיךָ׃	Loyalty and faithfulness stand in front of your presence.
16	אַשְׁרֵ֣י הָ֭עָם יוֹדְעֵ֣י תְרוּעָ֑ה	Happy are the people, those who know the signal,	• The psalmist feels privileged and joyful to be counted among YHWH's people	The word אַשְׁרֵי implies a feeling of admiration on the part of the speaker (see SDBH). In this case, because the psalmist is himself among the admired group, we can infer feelings of privilege and thankfulness.
	יְ֝הוָ֗ה בְּֽאוֹר־פָּנֶ֥יךָ יְהַלֵּכֽוּן׃	YHWH, who go about in the light of your presence!
17	בְּ֭שִׁמְךָ יְגִיל֣וּן כָּל־הַיּ֑וֹם	They are always glad because of your name,		"always glad" (יְגִילוּן): "state in which humans feel and show great joy" (SDBH)
	וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ֥ יָרֽוּמוּ׃	and exalted because of your righteousness.
18	כִּֽי־תִפְאֶ֣רֶת עֻזָּ֣מוֹ אָ֑תָּה	For you are the strength in which they glory,
	וּ֝בִרְצֹנְךָ֗ תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֵֽנוּ׃	and our horn will be exalted because of your favor.
19	כִּ֣י לַֽ֭יהוָה מָֽגִנֵּ֑נוּ	For our shield belongs to YHWH,
	וְלִקְד֖וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל מַלְכֵּֽנוּ׃	and our king belongs to the holy one of Israel.
20	אָ֤ז דִּבַּ֥רְתָּֽ־בְחָ֡זוֹן לַֽחֲסִידֶ֗יךָ	Long ago, you spoke in a vision to your loyal ones	• The psalmist feels confident that YHWH will keep his covenant promises to David forever • "YHWH feels determined to keep his covenant promises to David forever"
	וַתֹּ֗אמֶר	and said,
	שִׁוִּ֣יתִי עֵ֭זֶר עַל־גִּבּ֑וֹר	"I have granted help to a warrior
	הֲרִימ֖וֹתִי בָח֣וּר מֵעָֽם׃	I have exalted someone chosen from the people.
21	מָ֭צָאתִי דָּוִ֣ד עַבְדִּ֑י	I have found David, my servant;
	בְּשֶׁ֖מֶן קָדְשִׁ֣י מְשַׁחְתִּֽיו׃	I have anointed him with my holy oil;
22	אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָ֭דִי תִּכּ֣וֹן עִמּ֑וֹ	My hand will always be with him;
	אַף־זְרוֹעִ֥י תְאַמְּצֶֽנּוּ׃	my arm will also strengthen him.
23	לֹֽא־יַשִּׁ֣א אוֹיֵ֣ב בּ֑וֹ	No enemy will exact tribute from him,
	וּבֶן־עַ֝וְלָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽנּוּ׃	and no unjust person will afflict him.
24	וְכַתּוֹתִ֣י מִפָּנָ֣יו צָרָ֑יו	But I will crush his adversaries from before him,
	וּמְשַׂנְאָ֥יו אֶגּֽוֹף׃	and strike down those who are hostile to him.
25	וֶֽאֶֽמוּנָתִ֣י וְחַסְדִּ֣י עִמּ֑וֹ	And my reliability and my loyalty will be with him,
	וּ֝בִשְׁמִ֗י תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֽוֹ׃	and his horn will be exalted because of my name.
26	וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י בַיָּ֣ם יָד֑וֹ	And I will put his hand on the sea
	וּֽבַנְּהָר֥וֹת יְמִינֽוֹ׃	and his right hand on the currents.
27	ה֣וּא יִ֭קְרָאֵנִי	He will call out to me,
	אָ֣בִי אָ֑תָּה אֵ֝לִ֗י וְצ֣וּר יְשׁוּעָתִֽי׃	"You are my father, my god and the rock who saves me."
28	אַף־אָ֭נִי בְּכ֣וֹר אֶתְּנֵ֑הוּ עֶ֝לְי֗וֹן לְמַלְכֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃	What's more, I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

29	לְ֭עוֹלָ֗ם אֶשְׁמָור־ל֣וֹ חַסְדִּ֑י	I will keep my loyalty for him forever,
	וּ֝בְרִיתִ֗י נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת לֽוֹ׃	and my covenant will be enduring for him.
30	וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י לָעַ֣ד זַרְע֑וֹ	I will establish his descendants forever
	וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ כִּימֵ֥י שָׁמָֽיִם׃	and his throne as long as the sky endures.
31	אִם־יַֽעַזְב֣וּ בָ֭נָיו תּוֹרָתִ֑י	If his descendants reject my instruction
	וּ֝בְמִשְׁפָּטַ֗י לֹ֣א יֵלֵכֽוּן׃	and do not walk according to my rules;
32	אִם־חֻקֹּתַ֥י יְחַלֵּ֑לוּ	if they dishonor my decrees
	וּ֝מִצְוֺתַ֗י לֹ֣א יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ׃	and do not keep my commands,
33	וּפָקַדְתִּ֣י בְשֵׁ֣בֶט פִּשְׁעָ֑ם	then I will punish their rebellion with a rod
	וּבִנְגָעִ֥ים עֲוֺנָֽם׃	and their iniquity with wounds.
34	וְ֭חַסְדִּי לֹֽא־אָפִ֣יר מֵֽעִמּ֑וֹ	But I will not annul my loyalty from being with him,
	וְלֹֽא־אֲ֝שַׁקֵּ֗ר בֶּאֱמוּנָתִֽי׃	and I will not deal falsely with my reliability.
35	לֹא־אֲחַלֵּ֥ל בְּרִיתִ֑י	I will not dishonor my covenant
	וּמוֹצָ֥א שְׂ֝פָתַ֗י לֹ֣א אֲשַׁנֶּֽה׃	or change what has come from my lips.
36	אַ֭חַת נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי בְקָדְשִׁ֑י	Once and for all I swear an oath by my holiness:
	אִֽם־לְדָוִ֥ד אֲכַזֵּֽב׃	I will not lie to David.
37	זַ֭רְעוֹ לְעוֹלָ֣ם יִהְיֶ֑ה	His descendants will be forever,
	וְכִסְא֖וֹ כַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ נֶגְדִּֽי׃	and his throne [will be] like the sun before me.
38	כְּ֭יָרֵחַ יִכּ֣וֹן עוֹלָ֑ם	Like the moon it will be established forever,
	וְעֵ֥ד בַּ֝שַּׁ֗חַק נֶאֱמָ֥ן סֶֽלָה׃	and [like] the witness in heaven [it will be] enduring.'" Selah.
39	וְאַתָּ֣ה זָ֭נַחְתָּ	But you have rejected	• The psalmist feels ashamed, angry, and betrayed (or "insulted" [on the circumplex])	The series of 2ms verbs in vv. 39–46 lays the blame for the current situation directly on YHWH's shoulders: "you did this." These verses function as an accusation. There is an implicit feeling of anger and, in the context of the covenant promises celebrated in the first part of the psalm (vv. 2–38), an implicit feeling of betrayal. There might also be a sense of disillusionment: "how could this possibly happen?"
	וַתִּמְאָ֑ס	and refused!
	הִ֝תְעַבַּ֗רְתָּ עִם־מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃	You have become furious with your anointed one.
40	נֵ֭אַרְתָּה בְּרִ֣ית עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ	You have renounced the covenant with your servant.
	חִלַּ֖לְתָּ לָאָ֣רֶץ נִזְרֽוֹ׃	You have thrown his crown down to the ground as something profane.
41	פָּרַ֥צְתָּ כָל־גְּדֵרֹתָ֑יו	You have breached all of his walls.
	שַׂ֖מְתָּ מִבְצָרָ֣יו מְחִתָּה׃	You have made his strongholds a ruin.
42	שַׁ֭סֻּהוּ כָּל־עֹ֣בְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ	All who pass by have plundered him.
	הָיָ֥ה חֶ֝רְפָּ֗ה לִשְׁכֵנָֽיו׃	He has become an object of scorn to his neighbors.
43	הֲ֭רִימוֹתָ יְמִ֣ין צָרָ֑יו	You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries.
	הִ֝שְׂמַ֗חְתָּ כָּל־אוֹיְבָֽיו׃	You have caused all of his enemies to rejoice.
44	אַף־תָּ֭שִׁיב צ֣וּר חַרְבּ֑וֹ	What's worse, you turn back his sharp sword,
	וְלֹ֥א הֲ֝קֵימֹת֗וֹ בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃	and you did not help him up in the battle.
45	הִשְׁבַּ֥תָּ מִטְּהָר֑וֹ	You have put an end to his splendor
	וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ לָאָ֥רֶץ מִגַּֽרְתָּה׃	and hurled his throne down to the ground.
46	הִ֭קְצַרְתָּ יְמֵ֣י עֲלוּמָ֑יו	You have cut short the days of his youth.
	הֶֽעֱטִ֨יתָ עָלָ֖יו בּוּשָׁ֣ה סֶֽלָה׃	You have covered him with shame. Selah.
47	עַד־מָ֣ה יְ֭הוָה	How long, YHWH?	• The psalmist feels ashamed and desperate	The idea of "scorn" (חרף) is prominent in vv. 39–53, occurring four times in this section (vv. 42, 51, 52 [x2]). The word חרפה implies emotional content; it refers to a "state in which humans feel shame and humiliation" (SDBH). The questions "how long?" (v. 47) and "where?" (v. 50), together with the appeal to YHWH's pity for his creatures (rather than an appeal to covenant promises!), imply a sense of desperation.
	תִּסָּתֵ֣ר לָנֶ֑צַח	Will you hide yourself forever?
	תִּבְעַ֖ר כְּמוֹ־אֵ֣שׁ חֲמָתֶֽךָ׃	Will your wrath rage like a fire [forever]?
48	זְכָר־אֲדֹנָי מֶה־חָ֑לֶד	Remember, Lord, what a lifespan is,
	עַל־מַה־שָּׁ֝֗וְא בָּרָ֥אתָ כָל־בְּנֵי־אָדָֽם׃	for what futility you created all people!
49	מִ֤י גֶ֣בֶר יִֽ֭חְיֶה	What person can live
	וְלֹ֣א יִרְאֶה־מָּ֑וֶת	and not see death,
	יְמַלֵּ֨ט נַפְשׁ֖וֹ מִיַּד־שְׁא֣וֹל סֶֽלָה׃	can rescue his life from the power of Sheol? Selah.
50	אַיֵּ֤ה ׀ חֲסָדֶ֖יךָ הָרִאשֹׁנִ֥ים ׀ אֲדֹנָ֑י	Where are your former acts of loyalty, Lord,
	נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתָּ לְ֝דָוִ֗ד בֶּאֱמוּנָתֶֽךָ׃	which you swore to David in your reliability?
51	זְכֹ֣ר אֲ֭דֹנָי חֶרְפַּ֣ת עֲבָדֶ֑יךָ	Remember, Lord, how your servants are scorned,
	שְׂאֵתִ֥י בְ֝חֵיקִ֗י כָּל־רִבֵי מֵעַמִּֽים׃	how I carry in my bosom all the insults of the peoples!
52	אֲשֶׁ֤ר חֵרְפ֖וּ אוֹיְבֶ֥יךָ ׀ יְהוָ֑ה	[Remember] that your enemies have scorned, YHWH,
	אֲשֶׁ֥ר חֵ֝רְפ֗וּ עִקְּב֥וֹת מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃	that they have scorned the footsteps of your anointed one!
53	בָּר֖וּךְ יְהוָ֥ה לְ֝עוֹלָ֗ם אָ֘מֵ֥ן ׀ וְאָמֵֽן׃	Blessed be YHWH forever! Amen and Amen.	• The psalmist feels resolved to bless YHWH, even in difficult circumstances (cf. Job 1:21–22)

Summary Visual

(Click visual to enlarge).

Affective Circumplex

What is the affective circumplex?

The affective circumplex locates emotions on two axes: (1) positive vs. negative valence; and (2) active vs. passive activation. Since emotional terminology often carries unintended cultural connotations, the purpose of the circumplex is to ease translation of emotions across different languages and cultures.

Bibliography

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Baethgen, Friedrich. 1904. Die Psalmen. Vandenhoeck und Ruprecht.

Ballentine, Debra Scoggins. 2012. “‘You Divided Sea by Your Might’: The ‘Conflict Myth’ and the Biblical Tradition.” Ph.D, Brown University.

Bandstra, Barry. 1995. “Marking Turns in Poetic Text. ‘Waw’ in the Psalms.” Narrative and Comment: Contributions to Discourse Grammar and Biblical Hebrew, 45–52.

Barbiero, Gianni. 2007. “Alcune osservazioni sulla conclusione del salmo 89 (vv. 47-53).” Biblica 88 (4): 536–45.

Barthélemy, Dominique, Norbert Lohfink, Alexander R. Hulst, William D. McHardy, H. Peter Rüger, and James A. Sanders. 2005. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament 4: Psaumes. Edited by Stephen Desmond Ryan and Adrian Schenker. Orbis Biblicus et Orientalis, 50,4. Academic Press.

Bekins, Peter. 2017. “Definiteness and the Definite Article.” In “Where Shall Wisdom Be Found?”: A Grammatical Tribute to Professor Stephen A. Kaufman, edited by Hélène Dallaire, Benjamin J. Noonan, Jennifer E. Noonan, and Stephen A. Kaufman. Eisenbrauns.

Brockington, L.H. 1973. The Hebrew Text of the Old Testament: The Readings Adopted by the Translators of the New English Bible.

Calvin, John. 1847. Commentary on the Book of Psalms. Translated by James Anderson. Vol. 1. Calvin Translation Society.

Cook, John A. 2024. The Biblical Hebrew Verb: A Linguistic Introduction. Learning Biblical Hebrew. Baker Academic.

Dahood, Mitchell J. 1968. Psalms II, 51-100: Introduction, Translation, and Notes. Anchor Bible 17. Doubleday.

Day, John. 2020. God’s Conflict with the Dragon and the Sea: Echoes of a Canaanite Myth in the Old Testament. Reprint of the 1988 corrected edition. Wipf & Stock.

Delitzsch, F. 1996. “The Psalter.” In Commentary on the Old Testament. Hendrickson.

Eaton, J.H. 1975. Kingship and the Psalms. Studies in Biblical Theology Second Series 32. SCM Press.

Ellison, D. 2024. “Singing Steadfast Love and Faithfulness: The Messianic Significance of Psalm 89.” Old Testament Essays 37 (3): 1–19.

Frankel, Rafael. 1992. “Tabor.” In Anchor Bible Dictionary, vol. 6. Doubleday.

Gentry, Peter J. 1998. “The System of the Finite Verb in Classical Hebrew.” Hebrew Studies 39: 7–39.

Gentry, Peter J., and Stephen J. Wellum. 2012. Kingdom Through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants. Crossway.

Gesenius, Wilhelm. 2013. Hebräisches und Aramäisches Handwörterbuch über das Alte Testament. 18th ed. Edited by Herbert Donner. Springer.

Goldingay, John. 2007. Psalms: Psalms 42–89;;. Vol. 2. BCOT. Baker Academic.

Gray, George Buchanan. 1915. The Forms of Hebrew Poetry: Considered with Special Reference to the Criticism and Interpretation of the Old Testament. Hodder and Stoughton.

Gunkel, Hermann. 1998. An Introduction to the Psalms: The Genres of the Religious Lyric of Israel. Translated by James D. Nogalski. Mercer University Press.

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Footnotes

↑ Cf. Baethgen 1904, 276.
↑ When the entire utterance is new/unexpected, it is a thetic sentence (often called "sentence focus"). See our Creator Guidelines for more information on topic and focus.
↑ Frame setters are any orientational constituent – typically, but not limited to, spatio-temporal adverbials – function to "limit the applicability of the main predication to a certain restricted domain" and "indicate the general type of information that can be given" in the clause nucleus (Krifka & Musan 2012: 31-32). In previous scholarship, they have been referred to as contextualizing constituents (see, e.g., Buth (1994), “Contextualizing Constituents as Topic, Non-Sequential Background and Dramatic Pause: Hebrew and Aramaic evidence,” in E. Engberg-Pedersen, L. Falster Jakobsen and L. Schack Rasmussen (eds.) Function and expression in Functional Grammar. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, 215-231; Buth (2023), “Functional Grammar and the Pragmatics of Information Structure for Biblical Languages,” in W. A. Ross & E. Robar (eds.) Linguistic Theory and the Biblical Text. Cambridge: Open Book Publishers, 67-116), but this has been conflated with the function of topic. In brief: sentence topics, belonging to the clause nucleus, are the entity or event about which the clause provides a new predication; frame setters do not belong in the clause nucleus and rather provide a contextual orientation by which to understand the following clause.
↑ Lunn 2006, 176.
↑ Lunn 2006, 176.
↑ Lunn 2006, 162.
↑ Lunn 2006, 68.
↑ Cf. Lunn 2006, 62–63.
↑ Cf. Miller 2010, 360–363.
↑ Cf. Kim 2023, 213–217.
↑ Cf. Miller 2010.
↑ Cf. Miller 2010, 357. Compare Ps 13:2—עַד־אָ֣נָה יְ֭הוָה תִּשְׁכָּחֵ֣נִי נֶ֑צַח
↑ Cf. Miller 2010, 357.
↑ Cf. Miller 2010, 360–363.
↑ See Locatell 2019.
↑ See Locatell 2019.
↑ Cf. Gunkel and Begrich 1998, 23-24; 29-30.
↑ Cf. Bandstra 1995, 45–52; for waw + yiqtol after selah, see also Pss 52:8; 59:15.

[1] Cf. Baethgen 1904, 276.

[2] When the entire utterance is new/unexpected, it is a thetic sentence (often called "sentence focus"). See our Creator Guidelines for more information on topic and focus.

[3] Frame setters are any orientational constituent – typically, but not limited to, spatio-temporal adverbials – function to "limit the applicability of the main predication to a certain restricted domain" and "indicate the general type of information that can be given" in the clause nucleus (Krifka & Musan 2012: 31-32). In previous scholarship, they have been referred to as contextualizing constituents (see, e.g., Buth (1994), “Contextualizing Constituents as Topic, Non-Sequential Background and Dramatic Pause: Hebrew and Aramaic evidence,” in E. Engberg-Pedersen, L. Falster Jakobsen and L. Schack Rasmussen (eds.) Function and expression in Functional Grammar. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, 215-231; Buth (2023), “Functional Grammar and the Pragmatics of Information Structure for Biblical Languages,” in W. A. Ross & E. Robar (eds.) Linguistic Theory and the Biblical Text. Cambridge: Open Book Publishers, 67-116), but this has been conflated with the function of topic. In brief: sentence topics, belonging to the clause nucleus, are the entity or event about which the clause provides a new predication; frame setters do not belong in the clause nucleus and rather provide a contextual orientation by which to understand the following clause.

[4] Lunn 2006, 176.

[5] Lunn 2006, 176.

[6] Lunn 2006, 162.

[7] Lunn 2006, 68.

[8] Cf. Lunn 2006, 62–63.

[9] Cf. Miller 2010, 360–363.

[10] Cf. Kim 2023, 213–217.

[11] Cf. Miller 2010.

[12] Cf. Miller 2010, 357. Compare Ps 13:2—עַד־אָ֣נָה יְ֭הוָה תִּשְׁכָּחֵ֣נִי נֶ֑צַח

[13] Cf. Miller 2010, 357.

[14] Cf. Miller 2010, 360–363.

[15] See Locatell 2019.

[16] See Locatell 2019.

[17] Cf. Gunkel and Begrich 1998, 23-24; 29-30.

[18] Cf. Bandstra 1995, 45–52; for waw + yiqtol after selah, see also Pss 52:8; 59:15.

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Psalm 89 Discourse

Contents

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Book 5

Psalm 89

About the Discourse Layer

Participant Analysis

Profile List

Profile Notes

Participant Relations Diagram

Participant Analysis Summary Distribution

Macrosyntax

Macrosyntax Diagram

Speech Act Analysis

Summary Visual

Speech Act Analysis Chart

Emotional Analysis

Emotional Analysis Chart

Summary Visual

Affective Circumplex

Bibliography

Footnotes